#Australia backs ranger training program at #Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains National Park
Addis Abeba – The Australian Embassy in Ethiopia has announced support for a second-round ranger training program at Bale Mountains National Park, located in Bale zone of Oromia regional state, describing the initiative as part of broader efforts to strengthen environmental protection and wildlife conservation in Ethiopia.
The Embassy said “protecting Ethiopia’s precious environment starts with empowering those on the frontlines,” as it highlighted the completion of the training program delivered by Chengeta Wildlife with funding support from Australia’s Direct Aid Program.
Bale Mountains National Park is home to several endemic species, including the Ethiopian wolf and mountain nyala, and remains one of the country’s key ecological and tourism sites.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02vtNy1nAJJv4qqVCVWefzerFX9wNbztkc3afR7yksGwDZs9TZKTE3QVXCu7JZsjrGl
Addis Abeba – The Australian Embassy in Ethiopia has announced support for a second-round ranger training program at Bale Mountains National Park, located in Bale zone of Oromia regional state, describing the initiative as part of broader efforts to strengthen environmental protection and wildlife conservation in Ethiopia.
The Embassy said “protecting Ethiopia’s precious environment starts with empowering those on the frontlines,” as it highlighted the completion of the training program delivered by Chengeta Wildlife with funding support from Australia’s Direct Aid Program.
Bale Mountains National Park is home to several endemic species, including the Ethiopian wolf and mountain nyala, and remains one of the country’s key ecological and tourism sites.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02vtNy1nAJJv4qqVCVWefzerFX9wNbztkc3afR7yksGwDZs9TZKTE3QVXCu7JZsjrGl
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#Op_ed: Election Without Contest: One-party spectacle across #Ethiopia’s #Somali region
Across the Somali region, ruling party candidates are actively engaged in campaigns marked by rallies, speeches, and large-scale mobilizations that project an image of democratic vitality, the author of this op-ed notes. However, he—himself a Prosperity Party (#PP) candidate—argues that these displays conceal a deeper absence of political competition, as many constituencies reportedly lack opposing candidates, thereby reducing elections to symbolic affirmations of existing power rather than genuine electoral contests.
Writing as an insider candidate, the author warns that “beneath the spectacle lies a troubling reality—the campaigns lack any kind of political competition.”
He emphasizes that the region deserves authentic political choice rather than orchestrated political theater. He contends that "democracy matures not when leaders campaign alone, but when they compete openly.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57096
Across the Somali region, ruling party candidates are actively engaged in campaigns marked by rallies, speeches, and large-scale mobilizations that project an image of democratic vitality, the author of this op-ed notes. However, he—himself a Prosperity Party (#PP) candidate—argues that these displays conceal a deeper absence of political competition, as many constituencies reportedly lack opposing candidates, thereby reducing elections to symbolic affirmations of existing power rather than genuine electoral contests.
Writing as an insider candidate, the author warns that “beneath the spectacle lies a troubling reality—the campaigns lack any kind of political competition.”
He emphasizes that the region deserves authentic political choice rather than orchestrated political theater. He contends that "democracy matures not when leaders campaign alone, but when they compete openly.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57096
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#Sudan army says it recaptured two more strategic areas in #Blue_Nile near #Ethiopian border
Addis Abeba – Sudan’s military says it has regained control of two areas in the southeastern part of Blue Nile state following intensified clashes with allied forces of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu.
According to a statement by the Sudanese Armed Forces’ Fourth Infantry Division, cited by Sudan Tribune, army forces and allied units recaptured the areas of Kern Kern and Doukan after what it described as “violent clashes” with RSF fighters and forces loyal to SPLM-N commander Joseph Tuka. The army claimed the fighting resulted in heavy casualties and the destruction of military positions and equipment belonging to the opposing forces.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02dWG7nBqpNT5fPMkqtbYRtaNnj4RSoTQpn1bfHn7sqVZhSZLFycUetzKeAuZj3Qg5l
Addis Abeba – Sudan’s military says it has regained control of two areas in the southeastern part of Blue Nile state following intensified clashes with allied forces of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu.
According to a statement by the Sudanese Armed Forces’ Fourth Infantry Division, cited by Sudan Tribune, army forces and allied units recaptured the areas of Kern Kern and Doukan after what it described as “violent clashes” with RSF fighters and forces loyal to SPLM-N commander Joseph Tuka. The army claimed the fighting resulted in heavy casualties and the destruction of military positions and equipment belonging to the opposing forces.
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid02dWG7nBqpNT5fPMkqtbYRtaNnj4RSoTQpn1bfHn7sqVZhSZLFycUetzKeAuZj3Qg5l
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News: Coalition for #Ethiopian Unity denounces electoral process, cites widespread irregularities
The Coalition for Ethiopian Unity has accused the ruling party of systematically undermining #Ethiopia’s electoral process, alleging widespread intimidation, voter manipulation, and obstruction of opposition participation ahead of the upcoming election.
In a statement issued today, the coalition said the “pre-conditions of the electoral process are not met,” arguing that the fate of the country was being decided through a process that lacked “the true participation of the people.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57099
The Coalition for Ethiopian Unity has accused the ruling party of systematically undermining #Ethiopia’s electoral process, alleging widespread intimidation, voter manipulation, and obstruction of opposition participation ahead of the upcoming election.
In a statement issued today, the coalition said the “pre-conditions of the electoral process are not met,” arguing that the fate of the country was being decided through a process that lacked “the true participation of the people.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57099
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#Tigray: Getachew, Tsadkan give stark warnings over region’s future
Senior Tigrayan figures Getachew Reda and Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae delivered blunt remarks in the political impasse in Tigray region.
Getachew suggested those he accused of pushing for fighting to be targeted and struck “selectively”.
Tsadkan, meanwhile, described societies in crisis as either erupting in “revolt” or collapsing inward and “imploding.”
Their remarks were made during the formation of a new council described as a temporary body aimed at solving the current political crisis in the Tigray Region. The Council was officially established on 17 May in Addis Abeba, with organizers saying it will serve until an inclusive administration is established in the region.
Senior Tigrayan figures Getachew Reda and Lt. Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae delivered blunt remarks in the political impasse in Tigray region.
Getachew suggested those he accused of pushing for fighting to be targeted and struck “selectively”.
Tsadkan, meanwhile, described societies in crisis as either erupting in “revolt” or collapsing inward and “imploding.”
Their remarks were made during the formation of a new council described as a temporary body aimed at solving the current political crisis in the Tigray Region. The Council was officially established on 17 May in Addis Abeba, with organizers saying it will serve until an inclusive administration is established in the region.
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#China, #Russia push ceasefire, Xi warns #US-#Israel war on #Iran risks wider regional spillover
Addis Abeba – President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia have called for an urgent ceasefire and renewed diplomatic engagement to contain the US-Israel war on Iran, warning that continued hostilities could destabilize the wider Middle East.
During a phone conversation held on 19 June, Xi told Putin that “promoting a ceasefire and ending hostilities is the urgent priority,” according to a statement released by China’s Foreign Ministry. Xi said the use of force “is not the correct way to resolve international disputes” and warned that military escalation would only deepen regional tensions.
The Chinese president particularly urged parties to the conflict, “especially Israel,” to halt military operations in order to prevent the war from spilling over into neighboring...
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0AhmNQdqwPZU7UgcHV5d82BP4aRZE5g39chf5YeyphNH2JamPQ4SseKtM1qAuHunMl
Addis Abeba – President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia have called for an urgent ceasefire and renewed diplomatic engagement to contain the US-Israel war on Iran, warning that continued hostilities could destabilize the wider Middle East.
During a phone conversation held on 19 June, Xi told Putin that “promoting a ceasefire and ending hostilities is the urgent priority,” according to a statement released by China’s Foreign Ministry. Xi said the use of force “is not the correct way to resolve international disputes” and warned that military escalation would only deepen regional tensions.
The Chinese president particularly urged parties to the conflict, “especially Israel,” to halt military operations in order to prevent the war from spilling over into neighboring...
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0AhmNQdqwPZU7UgcHV5d82BP4aRZE5g39chf5YeyphNH2JamPQ4SseKtM1qAuHunMl
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News: #EU restores normal Schengen visa rules for #Ethiopian nationals after readmission cooperation improves
The European Union has moved to restore standard Schengen visa procedures for Ethiopian nationals, lifting temporary restrictions imposed in 2024 over what Brussels had described as insufficient cooperation by Ethiopia on the readmission of irregular migrants.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57102
The European Union has moved to restore standard Schengen visa procedures for Ethiopian nationals, lifting temporary restrictions imposed in 2024 over what Brussels had described as insufficient cooperation by Ethiopia on the readmission of irregular migrants.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57102
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#Kenya suspends transport strike after deadly fuel price protests
Kenya has announced a one-week suspension of a nationwide public transport strike that erupted over sharp fuel price increases and triggered deadly protests that reportedly left four people dead.
Speaking at a joint press briefing in Nairobi on Tuesday, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen said the temporary suspension was intended to allow further consultations between the government and transport sector stakeholders.
“The government remains fully committed to addressing concerns raised by Kenyans at all times and calls for peaceful and legal means of airing grievances,” Murkomen said.
The strike, which began Monday after a steep rise in fuel prices, disrupted public transportation and affected schools...
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0LRj8eSwDLAsvEvvU8BDvHTJCGqjt3TfrHuEWj1PsKeRyoQEFH6RdeDb5UbTFc9eSl
Kenya has announced a one-week suspension of a nationwide public transport strike that erupted over sharp fuel price increases and triggered deadly protests that reportedly left four people dead.
Speaking at a joint press briefing in Nairobi on Tuesday, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen said the temporary suspension was intended to allow further consultations between the government and transport sector stakeholders.
“The government remains fully committed to addressing concerns raised by Kenyans at all times and calls for peaceful and legal means of airing grievances,” Murkomen said.
The strike, which began Monday after a steep rise in fuel prices, disrupted public transportation and affected schools...
https://www.facebook.com/AddisstandardEng/posts/pfbid0LRj8eSwDLAsvEvvU8BDvHTJCGqjt3TfrHuEWj1PsKeRyoQEFH6RdeDb5UbTFc9eSl
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#Commentary: Legacy of All, Possession of One: How religious declaration endangers #Axum's World Heritage status
On 7 May 2026, the Synod of the #Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church declared Axum a “Holy City—Aksum Zion” and proposed rules restricting alcohol, khat, hotels, and public religious expression. In his commentary, Mohammedawel Hagos argues that “this declaration is not a harmless religious gesture" but “a direct threat to Axum’s status as a World Heritage site.”
He contends that Axum’s #UNESCO recognition reflects its “outstanding universal value to humanity” as a meeting point of pagan, Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
The author concludes by calling for constitutional protections, religious freedom, and a “two-zone solution” preserving Axum as a heritage belonging “not for one faith, but for all humanity.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57108
On 7 May 2026, the Synod of the #Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church declared Axum a “Holy City—Aksum Zion” and proposed rules restricting alcohol, khat, hotels, and public religious expression. In his commentary, Mohammedawel Hagos argues that “this declaration is not a harmless religious gesture" but “a direct threat to Axum’s status as a World Heritage site.”
He contends that Axum’s #UNESCO recognition reflects its “outstanding universal value to humanity” as a meeting point of pagan, Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
The author concludes by calling for constitutional protections, religious freedom, and a “two-zone solution” preserving Axum as a heritage belonging “not for one faith, but for all humanity.”
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57108
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News: #Oromia accuses armed group who ‘reject peace overtures’ of ‘targeting’ former #OLA members who surrendered
Commissioner Ararsa accused armed factions refusing negotiations of "committing abuses" against civilians, including "looting farmers, kidnapping residents for ransom, and intimidating investors for extortion". He further described the groups as “proxy destructive forces” serving “Shaebia (Eritrea), TPLF, and other enemies,” adding that enforcing the rule of law and “cleansing” such groups remained the government’s only option.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57109
Commissioner Ararsa accused armed factions refusing negotiations of "committing abuses" against civilians, including "looting farmers, kidnapping residents for ransom, and intimidating investors for extortion". He further described the groups as “proxy destructive forces” serving “Shaebia (Eritrea), TPLF, and other enemies,” adding that enforcing the rule of law and “cleansing” such groups remained the government’s only option.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57109
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News: #Ethiopia warns #Strait_of_Hormuz disruptions ‘increasing pressure on global #fuel, #fertilizer markets,’ calls for coordinated response
“Iran crisis and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz are increasing pressure on global fuel and fertilizer markets,” Ahmed said, warning that higher global oil prices were raising transportation, irrigation, mechanization, agro-processing, and food distribution costs while adding pressure on Ethiopia’s trade balance.
A recent in-depth analysis by #Addis_Standard – The Hormuz Entanglement and The Fertilizer Paradox – warned that the unfolding crisis extends far beyond temporary shortages.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57115
“Iran crisis and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz are increasing pressure on global fuel and fertilizer markets,” Ahmed said, warning that higher global oil prices were raising transportation, irrigation, mechanization, agro-processing, and food distribution costs while adding pressure on Ethiopia’s trade balance.
A recent in-depth analysis by #Addis_Standard – The Hormuz Entanglement and The Fertilizer Paradox – warned that the unfolding crisis extends far beyond temporary shortages.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57115
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News: #Tigray Education Bureau ends academic year early amid fuel, budget crisis
The Tigray Education Bureau has announced that the 2018 E.C. academic year in Tigray will end one month earlier than scheduled due to worsening disruptions linked to fuel shortages, delayed salaries, and damaged educational infrastructure.
Speaking to Addis Standard, the bureau’s head, #Kiros_Guesh (PhD), said the federal government’s withholding of budgetary allocations and fuel supplies had made “the timely and proper disbursement of teachers’ salaries” impossible across the region.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57117
The Tigray Education Bureau has announced that the 2018 E.C. academic year in Tigray will end one month earlier than scheduled due to worsening disruptions linked to fuel shortages, delayed salaries, and damaged educational infrastructure.
Speaking to Addis Standard, the bureau’s head, #Kiros_Guesh (PhD), said the federal government’s withholding of budgetary allocations and fuel supplies had made “the timely and proper disbursement of teachers’ salaries” impossible across the region.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57117
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Feature: Between recognition and regional fallout: Is #Ethiopia reconsidering #Somaliland option amid #Red_Sea calculus?
As Somaliland marked the 35th anniversary of its declaration of independence from Somalia on 18 May, attention across the Horn quietly turned once again toward Ethiopia, and the unresolved question of whether Addis Abeba could eventually become the second country, after Israel, to formally recognize Somaliland.
“From a purely strategic standpoint, Somaliland offers Ethiopia something no other partner currently does: relatively stable, geographically proximate access to the Gulf of Aden outside Somalia’s direct control,” said a regional security analyst who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57105
As Somaliland marked the 35th anniversary of its declaration of independence from Somalia on 18 May, attention across the Horn quietly turned once again toward Ethiopia, and the unresolved question of whether Addis Abeba could eventually become the second country, after Israel, to formally recognize Somaliland.
“From a purely strategic standpoint, Somaliland offers Ethiopia something no other partner currently does: relatively stable, geographically proximate access to the Gulf of Aden outside Somalia’s direct control,” said a regional security analyst who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=57105
Reuters investigation documents mass killings in #Darfur after #RSF capture of al-Fashir
A major investigation by Reuters has documented three days of unrelenting mass killings, executions, and abuses carried out by Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during and after the October 2025 capture of al-Fashir, the last major Sudanese army-held city in the Darfur region.
The visual investigation and documentary, titled “Death in Darfur: 3 days of horror caught on camera,” analyzed hundreds of videos allegedly recorded and posted online by RSF fighters themselves.
Working with the Sudan Witness project, Reuters used geolocation, video verification, and survivor testimony to reconstruct events that unfolded between October 25 and 27, 2025, during the fall of the city following an 18-month siege.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14dR3cv7Cy6/?mibextid=wwXIfr
A major investigation by Reuters has documented three days of unrelenting mass killings, executions, and abuses carried out by Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during and after the October 2025 capture of al-Fashir, the last major Sudanese army-held city in the Darfur region.
The visual investigation and documentary, titled “Death in Darfur: 3 days of horror caught on camera,” analyzed hundreds of videos allegedly recorded and posted online by RSF fighters themselves.
Working with the Sudan Witness project, Reuters used geolocation, video verification, and survivor testimony to reconstruct events that unfolded between October 25 and 27, 2025, during the fall of the city following an 18-month siege.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14dR3cv7Cy6/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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#China, #Russia sign over 20 agreements as Putin concludes #Beijing visit
Addis Abeba- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed more than 20 bilateral agreements covering trade, energy, technology, and strategic coordination during Putin’s two-day state visit to Beijing, in what is seen as deepening ties between the two powers amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics.
Putin arrived in Beijing on 19 May, his 25th official visit to China and held extensive talks with Xi at the Great Hall of the People before departing on 20 May.
The visit came only days after Xi hosted U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing, in a move analysts said reflected China’s efforts to balance relations with both Washington and Moscow.
Chinese state ceremonies for Putin included a red-carpet reception, military honors, a state banquet, and private meetings between the two leaders.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EXFpYEu9h/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Addis Abeba- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed more than 20 bilateral agreements covering trade, energy, technology, and strategic coordination during Putin’s two-day state visit to Beijing, in what is seen as deepening ties between the two powers amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics.
Putin arrived in Beijing on 19 May, his 25th official visit to China and held extensive talks with Xi at the Great Hall of the People before departing on 20 May.
The visit came only days after Xi hosted U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing, in a move analysts said reflected China’s efforts to balance relations with both Washington and Moscow.
Chinese state ceremonies for Putin included a red-carpet reception, military honors, a state banquet, and private meetings between the two leaders.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EXFpYEu9h/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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